Oracle

With London gearing up to host the Olympics, the city doesn’t need a serial killer stalking the streets, but they’ve got one anyway.Leaving a trail of brutal and bizarre murders, the police force is no closer to finding the latest psychopath than Detective Inspector Kurt Lancer is in finding a solution for his daughter’s disability.Thrust into the pressure cooker of a high profile case, the struggling single parent is wound tight as he tries to balance care of his own family with the safety of a growing population of potential victims.One of whom could be his own daughter.Fingers point in every direction as the public relations nightmare grows, and Lancer’s only answer comes in the form of a single oak leaf left at each crime scene.

I'm going to keep this short & sweet so we can meet the MC of this rockin' thriller. Kurt Lancer is a complex character -- homicide investigator, sensitive father, loyal brother, and caring friend. Painted as a large intimidating man, I was surprised to find his soft side shining throughout the book. He's grounded in his beliefs of what is right and wrong, yet for a loved one he bends the law.

While I would have loved some romance for this suffering soul, Oracle was satisfying all the same. I ALWAYS try to figure out who-dun-it and I'm proud to say I knew within that meeting-in-passing who Zeus' chosen one was. Yeah me!

Tense pacing kept me clicking pages on my kindle. That and the *clears throat* alluring MC. He agreed to sit down with me. Wanna meet him?

﻿

I walked into one of London’s Starbucks and the rich scent of coffee and chocolate muffins slammed my senses. I’d woken late for my interview with Kurt Lancer and barely had time to throw my hair in a ponytail, let alone have that much needed first cup of high test.

A quickie scan of the bustling shop and I saw him. Him. Even seated I could tell he’d be imposingly tall – head and shoulders above the crowd. He smiled and white teeth gleamed amidst skin warm and smooth as chocolate.

Yum.

Super self-conscious I slunk to the tiny round table he occupied and slid into the empty seat. On closer glance he was even more alluring than a simple yum. He looked like David Haye. Yeah. That one. A few strands of gray twisted in the tight, black braids hugging his scalp. My throat went all dry-like, typical when I’m faced with speaking to hottttt men.

The voice. Le sigh. Get a grip. I pulled out my trusty notebook and bic from my bag. “Sorry I’m late. I’ll get right to the questions.”

A smirk and single nod was all I got before he raised a steaming cup to his full lips.

I cleared my throat. “So Mr. Lancer. Even though you describe yourself as a big, intimidating man, a soft nature comes across clear in your words and thoughts. Considering your job and upbringing—not to mention the loss of your wife—how are you able to remain sensitive and compassionate? I’d think you’d be a very bitter person.”

That smile appeared again, but this time tinged with sadness. “Wow, you go straight for the jugular, don’t you?” He sipped his drink. “Soft? Sensitive? Me? Shh … just don’t let the guys on the Team hear you say that, OK? Besides, I’m only ever a big teddy bear when it comes to my daughter Meghan. She brings out the best in me. On a more personal note, I guess having to care for a younger brother when I was growing up instilled me with some sort of protector mentality. It riles me when cowards take advantage of the weak and defenceless.”

“I couldn’t agree more. Speaking of growing up,” I leaned forward, elbows on the table, “being of mixed race, did you struggle knowing where you belonged as a child?”

“Not so much in terms of ethnicity. Where I grew up, plenty of people were mixed race. It’s East London, innit?” He mimicked a Cockney accent. “A melting pot of cultures from all around the world. That said, I did struggle a bit with knowing where I belonged in terms of family. As an immigrant, Mom had no relations in the country, and I never even knew my so-called father. Being shuffled about from foster home to foster home, I eventually learned that my only family is my brother Reggie, and now Meghan. Sure, it’s small as family goes, but it’s all I got.”

“You’re blessed. Some people have no one.”

Kurt raised his coffee in agreement.

“Your line of work is dangerous – I’m sure you’ve thought about your own mortality on more than one occasion. Not having a gun strapped to your side must be tough when running through a corridor looking for a serial killer. Other than wishing for one, what goes through your mind?”

“The majority of police officers in the UK do not carry firearms. In most cases, this doesn’t bother me one bit. But on that one occasion, I did wish for a weapon more comforting than a mop handle. With all the adrenaline and excitement, the only things going through my mind were: one, catching the b******, and two, a nagging worry about what would happen to Meghan if something happened to me.”

“I have two young daughters myself, so I completely understand. What was the worst part about working undercover? Ever wish to go back to it?”

“I worked undercover when I was with the Serious & Organised Crime Directorate. My ‘usual’ role was as a low- to mid-level gang member, busting drug rings and small-time gangs. Apart from the incessant alpha male display rituals, the worst part has got to be the ‘what if’: what if I get rumbled? Anything can happen in those situations, and being found out is always a possibility. As much as it was a unique experience that helped me up the ranks, I don’t miss it at all. Besides, these days I’m a little too old to play the role of a drug-dealing hoodie.”

I held in my snort. “Old? Hardly.” I glanced down at my list of questions. “I don’t mean to pry ... actually, I do. I’d love to know how you really feel about Sam.”

“Erm, she’s a friend.” He coughed, but I don’t think anything was really tickling his throat. “A good friend. Nothing more, really.” He hid his face behind his mug.

My growing smirk couldn’t be contained. “Uh huh.”

The mobile phone on the table between us lit up, spewing out Kung Fu Fighting. Kurt glanced at the caller ID. His brow furrowed. “Lancer.” He listened, jaw clenched. “I’m on my way.”

“Work calls?” I ask, bummed the interview was so stinkin’ short.

He finished off his coffee with a tilt of his dark head.

“Any hint as to what’s next?” I asked when he didn’t answer.

“One word: Labirynth. Think of somewhere in the city of London that fits that description and you just might have an idea of the setting of this next case. It's going to be a doozy."

“Thank you.”

Kurt nodded and strode off, his gaze fixed, already on the scene he’d been called to.

I sat back and glanced around. More than one set of eyes followed him, drinks ignored.

Drink. Coffee.

Huh. I'd set my own eyes on him and had forgotten all about that caramel mocchiato I'd planned on.

About the Author:

J.C. Martin is a butt-kicking bookworm: when she isn’t reading or writing, she teaches martial arts and self-defence to adults and children.

After working in pharmaceutical research, then in education as a schoolteacher, she decided to put the following to good use: one, her 2nd degree black belt in Wing Chun kung fu; and two, her overwhelming need to write dark mysteries and gripping thrillers with a psychological slant.

Her short stories have won various prizes and have been published in several anthologies. Oracle is her first novel.

Born and raised in Malaysia, J.C. now lives in south London with her husband and three dogs.

Monday, August 27, 2012

What eighteen year old Mac Thorne doesn’t know will probably kill her.

In exactly eight months, five days, three hours and thirteen minutes, Mac has to choose what she’ll be for the rest of her life.

She has no choice but to pick. As a Changeling, it’s her birthright. To Mac, it’s a birthchore. Like going to school with humans, interacting with humans, and pretending to be human during the pesky daylight hours.

Once darkness descends, Mac can change into any supernatural form that exists—which makes her as happy as she can be. That is, until Winn Thomas, the biggest geek in her senior class figures out there’s more to what hides in the dark than most are willing to acknowledge.

In this first of the 19th Year Trilogy, Winn might know more about Mac than even she does, and that knowledge could end their lives, unless Mac ensures the powers-that-be have no choice but to keep him around.

My Review: 4.5 Stars

Have you ever thought it'd be cool to be a changeling? Change into a fairy or siren? A dragon? Troll? Mac, the MC, has unbelievable changeling abilities - she can choose to be anything. Anything you've read about before.

This story is the beginning of her journey in finding which form she'll choose for the rest of her life. Before she turns 19, Mac must decide her fate - demon or angel, vampire or witch - and take her place on the Council.

Yummies:

1 - Winn, the nerd. The glasses-wearing, braino with muscles. He seems to be a contradiction at first. Mac finds him so hot (so how can the reader NOT?) yet he's a nerd. Works in the library. Didn't jive for me at first, but within a few chapters after his introduction, he became my new favorite book boyfriend. Cradle robber. Yup. That'd be me.

He's responsible. Grounded. Has a good head on his shoulders. He's the opposite of Mac. The perfect balance for her, an excellent supporting character.

2 - I love the fact that Mac is a changeling without limits. I've read all the changeling stories before, but a single character that can beome anything from the paranormal world?? Sweet.

Yuckies:

This book started a bit slow for me. Wasn't sure exactly why, though. The writing is excellent. Now that I'm finished, I think it's because I wasn't onboard with Mac. She's got a distinctive voice & is a fun character, but a bit too mouthy, bad attitude-ish for my liking.

Definite YES. I love snarky and while this was a smidge much for me, most will love Mac - adore her attitude. You'll definitely enjoy her unique story & get caught up in the questions she needs to ask - and the answers she'll be forced to face.

The major problem I think you'll agree upon is the fact it'll be at least a year 'til the next installment.

Let's go, Emi. Get writing!!!

Sorry the rest of you all will have to wait for Halloween to nab this book. hehehehe

Sophie Galen is an advice columnist who is saving the world - one damned person at a time. Shy and sensitive Sophie has all but given up on love until she meets Marek, a mysterious stranger who seduces her with his striking good looks and his take-charge attitude. Yet the darkness she senses within him may be more than she is prepared to handle when Marek draws her into a world of vampires, werewolves, and treachery. Forced to leave behind the comfortable routines and certainties of her past, Sophie makes unbearable sacrifices and uncovers hidden truths about herself and the world around her.

The Grimoire turns its own pages and can answer any question asked of it, and Kara Magari is its next target.

Kara has no idea what she's getting herself into when she stumbles across the old book while hiking a hidden trail. Once she opens it, she's thrown into Ourea: a beautiful world full of terrifying things that all want the Grimoire's secrets. Everyone in this new world is trying to find her, and most want to control her.

Braeden Drakonin grew up in Ourea, and all he’s ever known of life is lying. The Grimoire is his one chance at redemption, and it lands in his lap when Kara Magari comes into his life. He has one question to ask the book – one question that can fix everything in his broken life – and he’s not letting Kara out of his sight until he gets an answer.

Sixteen year old Carly wants to write her own life and cast herself as a superhero, but the story gets out of control when she stands up to a bully and he turns on her. His increasing harassment forces her to battle flying hooks, giant thistles, doubt dragons and a suffocating closet. Dylan, a karate-trained nerd who supports her stand, turns out to be a secret admirer, and while he struggles to control his inner caveman, Carly searches for her own way to stop the bully. An old hippie shows her an inner magic that’s supposed to make her invincible, but will Carly learn to use it before her knight in shining armour risks all in a battle with a fire-breathing dragon?

This heart-warming magical realism story will inspire and empower teens and adults alike.

Now how 'bout a little teaser??? Here's the beginning of Sacrificial Oath, by little old me.

Enjoy!

﻿

﻿

Alesuela’s knees ached, but she didn’t dare cease her prayers. Father had to return. He had to.

Blessed Goddess, bring him home safely. Please.

Continuing with her supplication, she lit another candle as she had vowed to do with each sunrise. Alesuela shifted on the woolen rug. A drip flowed down the taper’s side, pooling on top of three month’s worth of hardened wax.

Her beloved father, Amant, Sovereign of Vecina, sent weekly reports of the war’s progress—of small defeats and battles won. Although her intended, Lord Pedre Ashin, also rode at the army’s front, Alesuela’s thoughts rarely lingered on the younger man. No anticipation stirred in Alesuela’s breast over the postponed wedding, for Pedre never treated her with anything other than indifference.

Hands clasped, Alesuela lifted her gaze to the window above her chamber’s gilded shrine. The opening framed a picturesque view of the snowcapped Craesor Mountain where the Goddess dwelt. Looming in the east, the crater-topped peak blocked the summer’s rising sun. Scarlet smeared the sky, and the sweet scent of red poppies from her flower garden below drifted in on a dry breeze.

Red poppies. Death.

A shudder rippled through Alesuela.

He can’t be dead. Blessed Goddess, I am not yet ready to be Vecina’s Sovereign.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Eighteen year old Birdie may be homeless, but she’s surviving, that is until a mysterious guy throws money in the air like a crazy game show host, and she grabs some with the idea she’ll be able to buy dinner that night.

In that singular moment, unassuming Birdie becomes the girl in everyone’s viewfinder. Thugs want to kill her. Money-guy wants to recruit her. The very hot, very rich, and very out of her league Grey Mathews wants to save her.

Birdie, though, wants nothing to do with any of them, until she realizes fate didn’t bring them all together.

Her heritage did.

Now, with only twenty-one days left, she’s got to decide whether to follow in the footsteps of those before her or risk her life for people she’s only just met.

My Review: 4.5 Stars

*Warning! Contains Spoilers!!*

Birdie lives on the streets, and a run-in with a wacko leaves her with more than she ever had - and an amulet that takes her on acid trip-like 'journies'. What she sees, however, are secret hints of what she'll need to lift an ancient viking curse. But she won't go it alone.

Enter Grey Matthews, her Guardian.

Let me just say if I was an 18-yr-old, I'd have a major crush. Hot, rich, and amazingly taleneted, he's all Birdie thought she'd never have.

Anyhoo. Read the book for the rest. :)

Yummies: Who doesn't love a snarky, strong female character? Especially one who has baggage - emotions held behind protective walls just begging to be pulled down? Enter that boy again - one who, while just seeming to have it all, has issues & pain of his own. Both are well rounded, flawed, & likeable. It was easy getting caught up in their stories.

The plot itself was totally unique for me. I LOVE finding a book unlike anything I've read before.

Tension & pacing was excellent - no info dumps & long history lessons. Just straight up story - action, adventure, & NO love triangle. Woo Hoo!

Yuckies: A huge fan and writer of fantasy, I MUST call attention to the magical elements of this story. While some may argue, 'It's fantasy, anything is possible!' I disagree.

I NEED the believability factor. I need to be convinced that what I'm reading could really happen. Logically it must make sense. Thus my 2 issues.

1 - The first time Birdie uses the amulet, it's effortless. Untried, unpracticed, having never attempted it before, the magic just happens. If it had been made clear it was the amulet itself doing everything & only using her as the conduit, fine. But that's not what happened. She controls the wind with ease and in the middle of it (in a conversational tone) asks Grey for his help. No panic. No weakness - like controlling elements is a cinch. Granted, later she struggles with the other elements, but the intial ease really bothered me. (Sorry Julie.)

2 - Lack of consequence. Normally magic draws from something, a 'taking' if you will. Here however, there is nothing. The amulet's magic is free. No consequences whatsoever. This really left a bad taste in my mouth, especially in the end when she & Grey are left with the amulet's power becoming a part of their physical beings. Two teenage supermen with no kryptonite ...??? While they're both great kids, what's to hold them in check? Balance the good & evil intent untold powers can bring?

Recommend: Looking above it seems there more yuck than yum, but that isn't true. I just like to ramble on the fantasy aspects of fantasy. ;)

Read this book? ABSOLUTELY! It took me 3 days (thank you daughters, traveling, cleaning - life in general) but my mind was never far from Birdie & Grey. They had my attention, my desire to see them through to the end, and for me that's what makes this a book great.

So whatcha think? Wanna read it? Gunna nab it? Check out my interview with Julie Reece HERE & enter in the drawing for a signed bookmark!

Thursday, August 16, 2012

I invited my Scribo bud Kirkus MacGowan, India Author extraordinaire, to share a bit on being a stay-at-home dad & slowing down - in life and writing. So pull up a chair & get comfy.

*Insert BIG APPLAUSE here*

Indie Authors: Slow Down!

When Terri first suggested a guest post for her blog (thanks Terri!), ideas about writing and the life of a stay-at-home parent immediately came to mind since we both have that in common. Time or the lack thereof, is one of the most complained about issues you’ll find with stay-at-home parent/authors.

Super Speed Indie Author

I have an Indie author friend who plans to publish eight books this year. My first thought when he told me this was that he had a backlist from traditional publishing. Nope. My second thought was that he wrote for years and is only just now publishing the books he had hidden away. Also not true.

He plans to WRITE eight books and publish them, all this year! That author friend is Russell Blake. As of this post, he’s published eleven books. Check them out on his official author page and blog, Russell Blake - Suspense Writer.

Is it possible? Absolutely. Is it likely? Maybe in Blake's case, but not in Terri’s or mine. Well, we could if we locked ourselves in the closet, ignored our children for twelve months, and our significant other literally handled everything else a responsible parent typically handles. As I said, not likely.

Quality?

I haven’t read any of Blake’s work yet, so this is no judgment against him, but I can’t see how it’s possible to put out quality work at such an astounding rate. There’s no doubt, the man loves writing, and I’m certain he puts in long days. If he can write and publish eight books this year, awesome for him!

We’re Not Machines

However, most of us, especially stay-at-home parents, are not machines even if we want to be.

Here I am, stating that it’s virtually impossible to put work out as fast as we’d like, yet in the title I suggest slowing down. It’s all a bit of a conundrum.

The faster we put out books, the sooner our name is known, the more book sales we’re likely to have, the more money we bring in… kind of. As an Indie author, we read these words just about everywhere we look. Then beneath, in miniscule words, we see, “Make sure your work is quality.”

What? It’s like telling us to go sprint ten miles, but be sure to breathe slowly. It doesn’t work that way.

Any parent, not just stay-at-home types like Terri and I, have certain responsibilities. When your child has a blowout, you can’t tell them to hold on because your muse is on overdrive. When your daughter comes home from school with a broken heart and tears streaming down her face, you can’t say, “Just a few more tweets, honey. Then I’ll console you.”

Parenting demands your attention when IT decides.

Two HUGE Reasons to Slow Things Down

Writing and parenting!

Slow down a moment. Close your laptop, or switch off your monitor. Hold your daughter as she needs to be held. Get that diaper changed before the blowout remnants end up on the carpet (not a pretty sight).

Quality comes about when you take your time, both in writing and parenting. If you rush through that hug, or through the diaper change, this will only slow you down in the long run. Your daughter won’t understand why her feelings weren’t important enough to take you away from work. If you have children, I don’t even need to explain the possible repercussions of rushing through a diaper change.

When you rush, you make mistakes. Again, both in writing and parenting. I’ll admit there are few things in life more exciting than pressing that “publish” button on Amazon, putting your other kind of baby out there for the world to see. Waiting a month, going over the manuscript twelve more times, tweaking the cover, receiving input from readers, it all makes a difference.

When your book hits those virtual shelves, you want it to look like a shiny, new convertible with a big engine. Not the rusty, blue hatchback from the eighties with a sagging headlight.

Think about it honestly for a moment. Will putting your book out a month early really make that big of a difference in sales? Or would adding the multiple layers of polish increase sales more?

Slow Down

Take your time! Amazon isn’t going anywhere. Your children are though. Even when you’re busy, remember to spend that extra five minutes building Lego castles or creating monsters with crayon. It won’t hurt your book sales and it just may improve your life enough to allow your creativity to flow onto the computer screen like a fine painting.

Yes, writing is a business, and sales are important, but which way works better in the long run? Igniting sales by putting out a massive number of books in a short period of time? Or taking your time, living your life, loving your family, and creating a quality product that will bring a higher percentage of readers back later?

It’s your life, so live it the way you choose, but I know which choice I’ll make. Speaking of which, I have to go. My little guy says it’s time to play catch.

Thanks again Terri!

Kirkus MacGowan wrote his first book at age eight about traveling to Mars to find the cure for cancer. He put his writing dreams on hold for twenty-five years and focused his energies on playing baseball. He moved on when he found playing softball with his friends more enjoyable than his pipe dream.

Since then, he graduated with a B.S. in Psychology, married a woman too good to be true, and moved back to his hometown. He gave up an amazing career waiting tables and now stays at home with his two crazy children. He spends his time writing thrillers and fantasy, playing softball with friends, enjoying the occasional computer game, and wrestling with his kids.

Monday, August 13, 2012

The John Reeves Creed: "Kill them with kindness. Unless you have a gun."

Book Description:John Reeves, an ex-Marine, drives to Myrtle Beach to confront his fiancée, hoping to repair their damaged relationship. Instead, he finds her unconscious in the local hospital, the victim of an unexplained explosion at a local restaurant.

During his investigation, Reeves meets Billy Hitchings, a teenager who knows more about the explosion than he should. Their questions lead to an ancient legacy best left alone.

Pulled into yet another crossfire, John Reeves fights to protect his friends and keep a primeval power from falling into the wrong hands.

My Review:

After a recent YA & paranormal romance kick, The Fall was a refreshing read. Billy Hitchings has always been a little strange, but when an archaeological find shows up in Myrtle Beach, his true nature is revealed. The artifacts holds a key to life and death which is coveted by many.

Yummies: Characters, their development & dialogue is spot on. For a 19 year old boy's PoV, this story was emotional & engaging. Billy's childhood was troubled and he faced many battles - internal as well. It was easy to get that motherly instinct going on for him.

The 2nd MC, John, for this story focuses on him just as much, is a likeable, flawed man. Being a personal bodyguard for hire has made him a wealthy man, but he doesn't act or speak like it. Non assuming, savy, and strong, this character was my fav by far.

A very fleshed out supporting cast rounded this story out - including the 'villian' we dislike with a passion only to learn why he is the way he is. Then empathy comes in and soothes the budding hatred.﻿

Yuckies: My first problem is the pacing in the 3rd of the book. Yes I was hooked by the characters and the daily circumstances surrounding them, but I wanted to jump into the meat of the conflict long before it was introduced. Speaking of conflict, this is where my 2nd problem arrises.

The believability factor was a smidge off for me. Even fantasy & Sci-Fi when well written makes it easy for the reader to imagine the story actually happening - taking place in another world or dimension. Both Billy & John figure out what the artifacts are and how they work MUCH too easily IMO. The 'villian' as well knows what the artifacts are & how they work, but we're never told how he knows this - this made his motivation questionable. And seeing as how the descendents of those sworn to protect the artifacts don't really know what they are ... well my brow rose to say the least.

Recommend: Yes. I've been lucky enough to beta read for Mr. MacGowan, so I know we'll get to see more of John, whose life definitely deserves to be followed. Nothing better than a gun-weilding, spaying, getting shot at, friendly, caring guy whose personal life nabs a reader's empathy & wishes for success.

On Thur, Aug. 16th Kurkus will be stopping by with a guest post where he'll be discussing parenting, writing, & all that good stuff. Don't miss it!

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Ms. Reece let me pick her brain for today's stop on her Crux Blog Tour. Brave lady. Click on the widget on the right to find out where else she's lounging this month to celebrate her new release!

Also be sure to swing back for my review of Crux scheduled for August 20th!

On to the interview ....

Q. What is up with the yellow eye?? (For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, check out Ms. Reece's blog.)

Ah, the eye belongs to Carlotta. The heroine from a YA paranormal historical romance (what a mouthful) I’m working on. I actually wrote it before Crux, but it needs more work. It is my favorite story I’ve produced so far and would love to see it published one day.

Q. How did you celebrate when you got signed for your debut novel, Crux?

After I jumped around like a lunatic for a while, my husband took me to dinner … then we made out in the parking lot. That counts as celebratory, right? ;)

Q. In a perfect Julie’s World, where and when would you write?

Okay, don’t roll your eyes. It’s going to sound nutty, but I’d like a little cottage that looks like something from a Harry Potter movie—all wood and stone and stained glass (and off kilter, just a tad) at the edge of a wood by a lake. I’d put a desk on the back (glassed in) porch facing the water and dream and write from 8 to 6 every day until my husband came home. You said a perfect world so I dreamt big!

Q. Authors that have influenced your writing?

When I was a kid I read the classics. Austen, Bronte, Dickens, Hardy, Webb, these influences are easier to see in my historical works. My beta readers and critique partners tell me when to ‘real it in’, so to speak. LOL. Then I jumped to Michael Crichton, James Clavell, J. R. R. Tolkien and Colleen McCollough. There are so many talented YA authors now, it’s tough to choose, but lately, I love J.K. Rowling, Suzanne Collins, Veronica Roth, well … you get the idea. Can I also just say I was highly influenced by reading comic books? Thor and Conan were my favorites, but I loved them all and wanted to be Poison Ivy soooo bad!

Q. Would you mind sharing a bit about how you overcame dyslexia?

Mm. That was tough. I came through school during a time no one understood. You were labeled smart, average or, let’s face it, not so smart. I even had teachers that were cruel to me over my struggle, but there was this one … She put head phones on me so I could read along with the narrator of a book. What that did was give me love of, great, well told stories. That love drove me to want to read on my own, just me and the adventure. I worked very hard over the next few years. My disabilities are still with me. Don’t ask me for directions or to dial an old fashioned phone. Ha! But the passion I have for devouring books was worth every minute of work I put in.

Q. And finally … dark or milk chocolate?

Dark all the way, baby! Well, I take that back. I tried 90% dark and couldn’t hack it, but up to say, 70% and I’m smiling.

So what's all the hype about? Check it out ...

She should have run. Now, she’ll have to fight.

Eighteen year old Birdie may be homeless, but she’s surviving, that is until a mysterious guy throws money in the air like a crazy game show host and she grabs some with the idea she’ll be able to buy dinner that night.

In that singular moment, unassuming Birdie becomes the girl in everyone’s viewfinder. Thugs want to kill her. Money-guy wants to recruit her. The very hot, very rich and very out of her league Grey Mathews wants to save her.

Birdie, though, wants nothing to do with any of them until she realizes fate didn’t bring them all together.

Her heritage did.

Now, with only twenty-one days left, she’s got to decide whether to follow in the footsteps of those before her or risk her life for people she’s only just met.

﻿Want a signed bookmark??? Leave a comment about why YOU want to read Crux (don't forget your email address!!) I'll toss the names into a hat & let my 2 1/2-yr-old draw the winner on Wed the 22nd.